Retaining-clip for third-rail insulators.



PATENTED OCT. 24, 1905.

W. GOURTENAY.

RETAINING CLIP FOR THIRD RAIL INSULATORS.

APYLIOATION FILED DEG.6.1904.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

RETAINING-CLIP FOR THIRD-RAIL INSULATORS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Oct. 24, 1905.

Application filed December 6, 1904. Serial No. 235,682.

To all whom it many concern:

Be it known that I, WILLIAM OoURTnNAY, a citizen of the United States, residing at New York, in the county of New York and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Retaining Clips for Third-Rail Insulators, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to retaining-clips for third-rail insulators.

The object of the invention is to produce sectional clips which can readily be applied to the insulator-blocks of third rails which are of cheap and light construction and easily applicable and removable.

The invention consists in the construction of parts and combination of elements here1nafter claimed.

Figure 1 is a partial elevation and partial section of a third-rail insulator and part of a rail with my clip applied. Fig. 2 is an end view of my clip. Fig. 3 is a side elevation of one of the clip-sections. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of two slightly-modified clipsections with pins detached. Fig. 5 is a plan of the two sections joined together. Fig. 6 is an end view of a modification.

The insulator-block A is of a Well-known construction having a hole or mortise B extending transversely through the body. The rail C rests on the block, as usual.

My clip is made in two parts or sections. These parts may be similar or they may be complementary. Each clip section has a straight bar E or E and is provided with a hook or clasp F or Fthat is, the bar E and the hook F form one part of the clip, and the bar E and hook F form the other part. The

hook F or F preferably overhangs the bar to give a suitable width to the hook and also to afford a bearing-shoulder for the complementary clip-section.

The two bars of a clip are passed through the hole in the insulator from opposite directions, and when the bars are in position they are secured together by pins or keys H, which pass through one of the holes I in the bars.

The clips are not intended to clamp the rail, but merely to prevent it from moving sidewise. Consequently there is very little strain on the clips when applied.

The hook part F or F may be of any desired form for the purpose. The bars E or E may be fiat or of other suitable form and may be cast or struck up from metal. A desirable form of bar is shown; but the bars might be half-round, (see Fig. 6,) so that when the clipsections are applied the two sections will form a cylinder, and the hole in the insulator-block should correspond.

Where a number or series of transverse holes I are provided in the bars E E, the clipsections may be adjusted to blocks of difierent widths. (See Fig. 5.)

WVhat I claim is 1. A section of a rail-clip consisting of a straight metal bar perforated transversely,and an integral hook at one end of said bar, of greater width than the bar and overhanging the same.

2. A sectional rail-clip for insulator-blocks, consisting of two complementary pieces each having a straight bar with a series of transverse perforations and an upturned hook, and a suitable key to connect said clip-sections.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

WILLIAM COURTENAY. Witnesses:

H. M. GRANT, GEO. L. COURTENAY. 

